Think Senate Democrats are blocking Bush’s appellate nominees on principle? Think charges they are merely following the directions of liberal interest groups are overwrought? Then read the “collusion memos” between Senate Democrats and these groups, posted on the Coalition for a Fair Judiciary site. They certainly suggest People forhte American Way, the Alliance for Justice, and other such groups are calling the shots. One memo calls for opposing Miguel Estrada because he is Hispanic. Another suggests the confirmations of some nominees were delayed so as to affect the resolution of pending cases.

Senate Democrats are understandably upset the memos were leaked to the press (see also here). Now Senators Durbin, Kennedy and Leahy are demanding an investigation to determine how the memos were leaked, and prevent such occurrences in the future.